Shiraki Kogei — Light of Tradition, Handcrafted in Yame

For over 200 years, Yame in Fukuoka has been home to the craft of Yame lanterns — originally made as Bon Chochin to guide ancestors during the summer festival. A bamboo frame wrapped in spirals, covered with handmade washi, and lit from within, the lantern has long been a symbol of comfort and reverence in Japanese homes.

Blessed with rich natural resources and known as Kyushu’s largest hub of traditional crafts, Yame flourished as a center of lantern-making. The abundance of bamboo, washi, wood, lacquer, and wax nurtured this craft into an industry that spread nationwide by the Meiji and Taisho eras.

Founded in 1980, Shiraki Kogei has specialized in the making of the hibukuro — the heart of the lantern where light softly glows through washi. The process remains entirely by hand: thin bamboo strips are wound into a perfect spiral, washi is applied with care, and a form of weightless strength is born. These steps cannot be replicated by machine.

At Shiraki Kogei, craftsmanship is guided by human touch and spirit. Every lantern carries the warmth of handmade work, created with Japanese materials and traditional methods, distinct from mass production. The workshop produces only what hands can hold, ensuring quality within reach and sight.

Equally important is nurturing the next generation. Shiraki Kogei believes true lanterns can only be made by artisans who think, feel, and create with sincerity. Young craftsmen are employed as full-time artisans, trained from the foundation, and encouraged to develop their individuality. From this environment, unique lanterns and new expressions of light naturally emerge.

Today, Shiraki Kogei is responsible for most of Japan’s painted lanterns, while also exploring collaborations with other crafts, contemporary creators, and international partners. Balancing tradition with innovation, the workshop continues to shape lanterns that embody both heritage and modern life.